Mixed feelings for Benítez and Aguirre

Published: Wednesday 5 November 2008

Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benítez was grateful for Steven Gerrard's late penalty equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Club Atlético de Madrid at Anfield which leaves both clubs "in a fantastic position" to reach the last 16.

Mixed feelings for Benítez and Aguirre

Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benítez was grateful for Steven Gerrard's late penalty equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Club Atlético de Madrid at Anfield which leaves both clubs "in a fantastic position" to reach the last 16.

Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benítez was grateful for Steven Gerrard's late penalty equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Club Atlético de Madrid at Anfield which leaves both clubs "in a fantastic position" to reach the last 16. His counterpart Javier Aguirre was philosophical despite being denied victory and believes the Group D point will "help our self-esteem" after recent indifferent results in the Spanish Liga.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool managerWe had opportunities in the first and second half. They had one chance in the first half and scored, and we had three or four clear chances in the second half. It's really disappointing that we had to score at the end with a penalty, although we deserved to get at least a draw. It was really important for us not to lose; to win would have been much better but not losing was important because we're still at the top of the group. We were attacking and attacking all the time. We had some problems on the counterattack because they have some quality players but we continued attacking until the end. You never know if it would have been different with [the injured Fernando] Torres. Robbie [Keane] is working hard but when everybody is talking about strikers we should be talking about goals. At the end of the day it depends on your position, luck and good deliveries, but he's doing his job. Atlético and us are in a fantastic position now. We were talking before about how important it was to win this game so again you have to be disappointed at this moment. Because we scored at the end we have one more point than before so it's positive also.

Javier Aguirre, Atlético coachI was a long way from it [the penalty incident] to fully appreciate it but how things change in a minute. One moment we were in the next phase, top because of Marseille's result, now we have to carry on fighting and carrying on playing. [Sergio] Agüero's absence was more to do with his physical state. He's still halfway through a two-week programme. Ignacio [Ambríz] did very well. I have worked with him for many years now and I'm very pleased with his work and very happy with the team; unfortunately we didn't get the reward but one point will do us and help our self-esteem. We're starting to repair damage from our form in the league and hopefully this will stand us in good stead as well. The point was useful as we need the points to qualify. We have one game at home and one away so let's see if we can finish top. The performance was solid. We were well organised and played well. We played against a great side in a very imposing stadium.

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